But Jurgen Klopp is now ready to give up the chase and place his faith in his current back-four.

Reports suggest Southampton would rather sell to Chelsea than Liverpool after accusing the Reds of tapping up their star man.

The Anfield outfit issued a grovelling apology for the way they tried to sign Van Dijk – which was accepted by Saints.

Klopp has funds available to smash Liverpool’s transfer record after being knocked back in his £66m bid for RB Leipzig star Naby Keita, and will move for Van Dijk, 26, if Southampton change their mind.

But the German is well equipped with defenders, with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez all fit for the season.